Post by tryhather on Feb 17, 2018 10:09:10 GMT -5
Keep your loved one active. Exercise can help protect older people from disease and reduce their functional age by 10 or 15 years. It can even result in big health benefits for those who have been sedentary for many years. It can delay the need for care and keep them away from disease for longer.
It is recommended that elderly people do 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (running, swimming, walking, biking) five times per week. Those who do more intense activities where the heart rate is significantly elevated and breathing is heavier should exercise a minimum of 20 minutes per day three days a week. Weight-strengthening exercises (using free weights, resistance bands or body weight) should be performed two or three times per week on non-consecutive days. They should also perform exercises for flexibility (stretching, yoga, tai chi) for at least 10 mins every day.[1]
Those who are unable to exercise independently, or at such intensity, can still benefit from being active. Passive Range of Motion (POM) exercises can help elderly people maintain joint mobility, for example.[2]
It’s also important to have older people change positions frequently – this will prevent skin breakdown and painful ulcers, which are susceptible to infection. Using devices like donut or egg crate cushions on chairs and beds can be helpful in this.[3]
It is recommended that elderly people do 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (running, swimming, walking, biking) five times per week. Those who do more intense activities where the heart rate is significantly elevated and breathing is heavier should exercise a minimum of 20 minutes per day three days a week. Weight-strengthening exercises (using free weights, resistance bands or body weight) should be performed two or three times per week on non-consecutive days. They should also perform exercises for flexibility (stretching, yoga, tai chi) for at least 10 mins every day.[1]
Those who are unable to exercise independently, or at such intensity, can still benefit from being active. Passive Range of Motion (POM) exercises can help elderly people maintain joint mobility, for example.[2]
It’s also important to have older people change positions frequently – this will prevent skin breakdown and painful ulcers, which are susceptible to infection. Using devices like donut or egg crate cushions on chairs and beds can be helpful in this.[3]